During a recent panel at D23, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening seemingly let slip that the beloved 2003 cult classic The Simpsons: Hit & Run might finally be making a comeback. Fans of the vehicular action-adventure game have spent over two decades begging for a remaster, a remake, or even just a modern digital port. Now, it looks like their prayers might finally be answered—accidentally or not.
What Happened at D23?
While speaking on stage during 'The Simpsons: Stories from Springfield' panel at D23, Groening was directly asked about the potential for a sequel or modern release of Hit & Run.
His response was brief, but it sent shockwaves through the gaming community:
"I think the original game is coming back in some form."
Immediately after Groening dropped the bombshell, current showrunner Matt Selman chimed in with a quick, "or not," attempting to walk back the statement. However, the hesitant tone and telling body language from both creators strongly suggested that Groening accidentally spilled the beans on a project that Disney and EA (or whoever holds the rights) are currently keeping under wraps.
Why The Simpsons: Hit & Run Matters
Released originally in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and PC, The Simpsons: Hit & Run is widely considered one of the best licensed video games ever made. Developed by Radical Entertainment, it essentially took the open-world sandbox formula of Grand Theft Auto III, infused it with sharp satirical writing straight from the show's golden era, and layered it with frantic driving missions and exploration.
Despite its legendary status, the game has been trapped in licensing purgatory for years. It is currently unavailable on any modern digital storefront, meaning players who want to experience Springfield on modern hardware have to dust off original retro consoles and track down physical copies.
What Users Should Expect Next
- Official Confirmation Pending: Disney and the game's rights holders have yet to make an official announcement. Groening's slip of the tongue may have jumped the gun on a future Nintendo Direct, PlayStation Showcase, or Summer Game Fest reveal.
- Remaster vs. Port: It remains unclear whether Groening meant a straight digital port for modern consoles (like the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch) or a full-blown remastered remake with upgraded textures and performance.
- Fan Projects: While we wait for official news, the passionate modding community—who previously built stunning ray-traced fan remakes—will undoubtedly keep a close eye on any legal maneuvers by Disney.
For now, keep your expectations tempered, but rest easy knowing that the people steering the ship in Springfield know just how much the world wants to drive Homer's pink sedan once again.
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